Independent Disability Advocates play an important role in helping people with disabilities to have a say in decisions that impact them. The National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 recognizes the importance of disability advocates as they speak, act and write on behalf of people with disabilities to protect and promote disability rights. A person who acts as an independent advocate for someone with a disability must not be affiliated with the organizations that offer support or services to people with disabilities to avoid any conflicts of interest. That’s why staff members of the NDIA and the NDIS Commission as well as service providers including support coordinators cannot fulfil the role of independent disability advocates.
Independent Advocacy is funded by the Australian government and several state and territory governments to assist people with disabilities. This is especially beneficial for people who are unable to speak out for their rights and who do not have friends and family who can act as informal advocates for them. Disability advocacy is needed even with the existing support and services provided by the NDIS as independent disability advocates:
Help people with disabilities to fight discrimination and understand their rights.
Assist people with disabilities to exercise choice and control.
Take actions that reflect the interests, will, choices, and rights of people with
disabilities.
Provide support to file complaints and resolve any issues related to disability support
and services.
The National Disability Advocacy Programme (NDAP), created by the Department of Social Services of the Australian government, allows persons with disabilities to receive effective advocacy.
Plan Guard Plan Managers are registered NDIS plan management service provider. Though we cannot provide disability advocacy due to conflict of interests, we can still help our participants by directing them towards disability advocacy organisations and other resources available to them. Contact us today to know more.
